Councillor Claims She Was Dismissed as New GBC Executive Announced

Published on: 12 Jan, 2026
Updated on: 13 Jan, 2026

GBC Executive January 2026. The committee has now only seven members and only one male member.

By David Reading and Martin Giles

A councillor has denied that she “stepped down” from the council’s Executive, as described in a Guildford Borough Council press release on a reshuffle issued today (January 12).

The Executive, the committee that directs the council’s strategic direction, is appointed solely by the council leader, Julia McShane, and is exclusively Liberal Democrat, the majority party.

The changes follow the resignations in December of Tom Hunt (Lib Dem, St Nicolas), who was the deputy leader and lead councillor for Economy and Place, and Richard Lucas (Lib Dem, Ash Vale), who held the important role of lead councillor for Finance and Property.

In the press release, Cllr Catherine Houston (Lib Dem, Shalford), who was the lead councillor for Climate Change and Leisure, is said to have “stepped down” but in a later email, circulated to all councillors, she denied this, saying she was dismissed without explanation and was not consulted on the wording of the press release.

Catherine Houston email

Cllr Catherine Houston

Cllr Houston has appeared to be one of the most active councillors and has one of the best attendance records at GBC. In 2023, she seconded the motion to make Julia McShane council leader and spoke up for the under fire leader when she faced a motion of no confidence.

She was also the Lib Dem candidate who won October’s Surrey County Council by-election for Guildford South East.

The dismissal of Cllr Houston is thought to have unsettled at least some of the Lib Dem Group at GBC, leaving some puzzled about the reasons for the change.

She told The Dragon: “When I spoke to Julia McShane on Friday, I explicitly said that I did not want my removal from the Executive to be described as ‘stepping down’ because that was not true. She dismissed me. It was down to her.”

Cllr Houston has indicated to The Dragon that she is preparing her own press statement which to be published in due course.

Two promotions to the Executive were also announced.

Cllr Vanessa King (Lib Dem, Stoke), who was chair of the Planning Committee, joins the Executive and has immediately been made Deputy Leader as well as Lead Councillor for Economy and Place. Her portfolio will also include Leisure.

Cllr Phil Bellamy (Lib Dem, Ash Wharf) has been appointed Lead Councillor for Finance.

And existing Executive member Cllr Angela Goodwin (Lib Dem, Onslow) has her portfolio extended to now include Climate Change, as she becomes Lead Councillor for Environment and Sustainability.

The changes take effect immediately.

Cllr Julia McShane

Council Leader Julia McShane said: “I am pleased to welcome Cllr King and Cllr Bellamy to the Executive at what is an important time for the Council. Their knowledge and expertise will be invaluable as we navigate this period of change in local government and continue to provide high quality services for our residents.

“I’d also like to take the opportunity to thank Cllr Catherine Houston for her unwavering commitment and the significant contribution she has made during her time on the Executive.”

Cllr Vanessa King

Cllr Vanessa King said: “I am delighted to take on the role of Deputy Leader and to lead the Economy and Place portfolio. I look forward to working with partners, businesses, and our communities to support a thriving and strong local economy.

“I’m also pleased to take on responsibility for Leisure, and I’m committed to helping deliver facilities and services that promote health, wellbeing and opportunity for all our residents.”

Cllr Phil Bellamy

Cllr Phil Bellamy said: “I welcome the opportunity to join the Executive as Lead Councillor for Finance. This is a challenging time for local government, and I am committed to ensuring our financial decisions are responsible, transparent, and focused on delivering the best outcomes for our residents. I look forward to working closely with my Executive colleagues and officers to support the Council’s key priorities.”

The Executive now comprises: